Local News

Windy opening night

Market to run Thursdays through September

By Rachel Alexander

Times Editor

Posted:
05/02/2014 10:22:47 AM MDT

The Fort Morgan Farmers' Market started Thursday evening. Six vendors set up in the new location on Beaver Avenue between Main and State streets to greet the first customers of the season. For the most part, they had vegetable and bedding plants with a little produce. Manager Rich Guggenheim said he expects to average 15 vendors a week as the growing season gets into full swing. (Rachel Alexander / Fort Morgan Times)

Carol Beneke, right, purchases produce from Brianne and Jerrad Shivers of Broke Farm Wife in Yuma at the Fort Morgan Farmers' Market Thursday. The couple will be bringing produce, eggs and meat to the market throughout the season. (Rachel Alexander / Fort Morgan Times)

The wind couldn't keep everyone away from the first Fort Morgan Farmers' Market of the season Thursday.

Six vendors set up in the the market's new location on Beaver Avenue between Main and State streets. A fairly steady stream of customers came through to check out the vegetable starts, bedding plants, limited produce, granola, soap and jams that were on offer.

Manager Rich Guggenheim said a couple of vendors did not come to the market due to the wind. However, he expects to have up to 15 regular vendors as the growing season comes into full swing.

Among the changes in this year's market, is the addition of a board of directors: DJ Barrett, president; Stacey Poland, vice president; Millie Musgrave, secretary/treasurer; Fran Byrd, member at large; and Clyde and Sherry Holeman, members at large.

At a board meeting on April 28, Guggenheim turned over full operations of the market to the board. He also agreed to serve as an adviser and manager for the season.

According to a press release, the board recognizes that while many local producers grow vegetable, there is a limited selection of tree fruit grown in Eastern Colorado. The board has decided that vendors may bring in tree fruit — including apricots, peaches, plums, apples, pears and cherries — from other areas of Colorado.